East West - The Asian American Lifestyle Magazine

The San Gabriel Valley in Southern California, a massive Asian ethno-burb east
of Los Angeles, has been called the foot-massage capital of the country.

Story & Photos by Jennifer Kim

Foot massage at Oriental Natural Treatment

San Gabriel City Planner Mark Gallatin estimates that 25 foot-massage businesses are operating within the city; the first shop opened in 2004. San Gabriel is part of the San Gabriel Valley, a massive Asian ethno-burb east of Los Angeles. Neighboring cities have jumped on the bandwagon, giving the impression that foot-massage parlors are more ubiquitous than Starbucks. Prices originally started at $70 an hour, but due to competition crazier than the Pinkberry fro-yo wars, prices have now plummeted.

In a reflexology session, a therapist presses on predefined points on the feet, which are believed to correspond to different organs in the body. This practice, which has its roots in acupuncture, theoretically boosts blood circulation and gets the “chi” flowing.

In a typical foot-massage business, rows of recliners or large armchairs face a flat-screen TV showing Asian movies and stations. At first sight, the whole thing looks like VIP airline seating; customers usually are given a drink, too. Chatting and joking among staff is normal, and spa-type quietness is unusual because of the group setting.

Clients’ feet are first soaked in a hot concoction of herbs in a wooden bucket for about 20 minutes. Some businesses may add a scalp, arm, back and/or shoulder massage during the foot soak. Next, feet and calves are slathered with oil or Vaseline, and then pressed, rubbed, pulled, shook and pounded. It shouldn’t hurt and generally leaves most customers feeling dazed and relaxed, sometimes leading them to leave tips of $5 to $10.

Each foot parlor has its own vibe and most have their last call at midnight. Some tips: Bring cash and exact change, inquire about membership deals and packages, and, in the best-case scenario, go with a Mandarin-speaking friend because English is often limited here. 

Here are some highlights from the Valley foot trail:

Oriental Natural Treatment
504 E. Valley Blvd.
San Gabriel CA 91776
(626) 280-0669
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to midnight
www.orientalnaturaltreatment.com

Oriental Natural Treatment is a masculine-feeling space with black recliners, wood floors and dim lighting. At night it may seem to be a shady dive, but it isn’t. Most of the therapists are middle-aged Asian men, each with his own random technique. The Los Angeles Times reported that this was the first business to slash prices, thereby igniting the foot wars on Valley. Prices for foot massages are $15 an hour, $9.99 Monday through Thursday after 10:30 p.m., and $11.99 Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is a less-crowded VIP room for $25 an hour. Other services include full-body massage ($35), acupuncture and cupping and scraping (each $30), all one-hour treatments.

Vivid Spa at Hilton
225 W. Valley Blvd.
Hilton Hotel, 2nd Floor
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 308-2112
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to midnight

In the same shopping plaza as Tibetan Herbal Feet Soak, Vivid Spa, which shares facilities with the Hilton Hotel, has a sauna, pool and fitness center that foot-massage guests can use if they purchase a membership ($150 for 10 foot massages). Otherwise, prices without spa/fitness access are $15 for a one-hour foot massage and $25 for a foot and chair massage. For $45, guests receive a one-hour, full-body massage and spa/fitness access.

Tibetan Herbal Feet Soak
227 W. Valley Blvd, #218A
San Gabriel, CA 91766
(626) 588-9888
Hours: Daily 10:30 a.m. to midnight

White recliners, light blue walls and Tibetan art give this place a feminine and airy feel. The space holds 12 armchairs and a 60-inch flat-screen TV. Co-owner Lily Chen speaks English and creates a welcoming, professional environment. Chen says they were the first business in San Gabriel to offer herbal foot massages and that they use real, FDA-approved Tibetan herbs that help blood circulation and kill fungus. Prices started at $70 for a one-hour massage but now, due to competition, are $20, or $14.99 with a membership ($300 for 20 massages). They also offer a one-hour, full-body massage ($45) and acupuncture ($30). 


CCM Health, Inc.
301 W. Valley Blvd., Suite 207
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 284-2728
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CCM Health is a tiny, homey place with five armchairs and a physically strong, primarily female staff. Though my therapist seemed completely uninterested and borderline cruel while working on me, after visiting other places, I recognized that CCM Health had quality service. Perhaps it is the principle of “no pain, no gain.” Prices are $15 for a one-hour foot massage and $40 for a one-hour, full-body massage.
 

Cyber Slim & Foot Care
425 W. Valley Blvd., #105
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 282-5588
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Out of all the massage places listed here, spacious Cyber Slim has the best décor and design. It’s an elegant, regal-feeling Asian space, not a hodgepodge afterthought like other stores. There are 17 chairs, two flat screen TVs, lots of bamboo plants and Asian furniture. Prices are $20 for a one-hour foot massage; $45 for a full-body massage and $60 for a two-hour, foot and full-body massage.

Foot Reflexology
140 W. Valley Blvd., #201-B
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 280-2016
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

What this store has that the others don’t is a pedicure service for $15. It’s a comfortable space on the second floor of the immense San Gabriel Square plaza. Call ahead to make pedicure appointments. Foot massages are $15 an hour and full body is $45.